The UK Roads Liaison Group (UKRLG) is supporting National Women in Engineering Day (NWED) today (23 June) and encouraging more women to take up careers in highways and transportation. The aim of the day is to celebrate the work that women do in engineering, and to showcase the great careers that are available for women in the engineering sector.

According to the Royal Academy of Engineering, analysis of those working across professional engineering shows that women make up 51% of the UK population but only 8% of the engineering workforce.

Dana Skelley, Director of Asset Management for surface Transport at Transport for London, CIHT Fellow, and Chair of the UK Bridges Board (part of the UKRLG) said:

“Female engineers have been working to keep London moving for over 100 years and it is vital that we continue to encourage more women into the industry to help bridge the gap. This not only makes business sense, but brings economic benefits and introduces new skills into the vibrant UK construction industry.”

Freda Rashdi, Asset and Operational Development Group Leader at Highways England and member of the UK Network Management Board (part of the UKRLG) said:

Highways England has recently set up a ‘Leading Women’s Network’ which will help promote diverse roles for women, not just in engineering, and develop an organisational culture that attracts, retains, supports and promotes talented women. This is a forum where women can share knowledge and inspire change. We want more women to enter the transport sector to bring broader skills and knowledge that are needed to deliver a modern, well maintained and efficiently operated Strategic Road Network for our customers.

Liz Kirkham, network manager at Gloucestershire County Council, and Vice-Chair of the UK Bridges Board has recently celebrated 25 years in the industry. She said:

“In that time, I have seen the landscape change into a more balanced workplace. I still get surprised looks when I say what I do, but more and more organisations are starting to see the value female engineers can bring to their business. It’s important we take today as an opportunity to encourage more women into the fast moving world of engineering so that they too can carve a successful, rewarding and long career.”